Present:           Mr R Tully (Chairman), Mrs C Hunt, Miss E Bridge, Miss P Ellis, Dr. R. Johnson, Mrs J Lowe, Mr J Robinson, Capt, B Tarr

 

In Attendance District Cllr. R. Rowe

 

2          To elect Chairman and Vice Chair – It was proposed by Cllr Tarr and seconded by Cllr Hunt that Cllr Tully be Chairman for the following year. This was carried unanimously. It was proposed by Cllr Johnson and seconded by Cllr Tarr that Cllr Hunt be Vice Chair for the following year. This was carried unanimously.

3          To consider formation of Committees – It was agreed that both the planning and finance committees continue without change.

5          To confirm the minutes of the last meeting on 20^th April 2009

            Taken as read and signed by the Chairman,

6          Matters arising from the Minutes – None

7          Chairman’s Report - The Chairman had nothing to report other than those items to be discussed on the agenda.

In County Councillor Pennington’s absence Cllr Rowe advised that he was not happy about the problems regarding the expenses of our local MPs. Cllr Pennington was busy with the County Council elections. Cllr Rowe advised that she would contact SHDC concerning verge cutting especially on the approach to the village and request that it is cut before the May bank holiday. She confirmed that the village had been awarded a grant from SHDC towards the updating of the play equipment in the orchard. Cllr Rowe also advised that the local football club had contacted SHDC for consideration of a grant towards their new club house and changing rooms.

9          Boundary Commission Review  Cllr Robinson reminded the meeting that he had written a further letter to the Boundary Committee which had been posted on the Parish notice board. Copies of the letter had been sent to the Secretary of State, Anthony Steen and the leader of South Hams Council. Cllr Robinson advised that he had received an encouraging reply to his letter from Anthony Steen.

10        Planning

The following planning applications were considered at a planning meeting held on 19^th May 2009 at which the following councillors were present: Hunt, Robinson, Ellis, Bridge and Lowe

None

 11        Items raised on behalf of the Clerk

Cllr Robinson advised that he had received notice of a new ferry service to be run by River Link. The service would run between Dartmouth and Stoke Gabriel. A trial service would start on Monday 25^th May operating on Mondays and Tuesdays until 30^th June to co-ordinate with the Dartmouth market. The timings of the service will depend on tides and tickets will be available from the River Shack. A letter had been received from SHDC concerning the proposed scheme of Midas Home’s proposal for Rowes Farm, Aish Road. A review panel meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 26^th May at Follaton House. It was agreed that Cllrs Hunt and Robinson would attend. Cllr Robinson advised that work had commenced on the Gabriel Court Hotel site. The original pedestrian archway has been removed and widened. However it has been noted that the stone work has been removed and just left on the roadway covering the yellow lines and blocking the water drain gulley. No road work signs are visible, no tape or other safety cordons are in place. A parishioner reported last night to the council that they when walking down to the village on Monday evening tripped over some of the stones as the area was not illuminated. It was agreed that contact with the architect should be made to advise them of the situation. It was also suggested that the stone wall in its present state may not be safe.

12        Highway and Hedgerow Matters – Cllr Ellis reported that there was orange tape at Broad path junction with Byter Mill. Many potholes have appeared at Waddeton and Portbridge. The grass requires cutting and weeds spraying. Cllr Ellis asked if a reply had been received from Roache builders concerning the damaged seat at the entrance to the new build at Badgers Retreat. Cllr Robinson advised that no reply had been received and it was agreed to contact Mr Roache by telephone explaining the situation. Regarding weed spraying and grass cutting Cllr Robinson advised that he had contacted both DCC and SHDC. DCC advised that weed spraying would commence this month. The mechanical road sweeper had been out on March 16^th, the waste bins were emptied each Thursday and the manual road sweeper visited the village on Tuesdays. It was suggested that in fact the road sweeper did not fulfil his role and a letter would be written to SHDC. Cllr Lowe raised the question of potholes in Flood Street. She asked about the new seat in the orchard and the new gate at the entrance to the orchard. Cllr Tarr advised that the new gate was in the process of being made and in the absence of Cllr Jones advised that measurements had been taken for the seat.  Cllr Lowe also requested that the plaque at the entrance to the orchard be cleaned up. It was agreed to ask Dudley Holmes to include this when he completes the job of renovating the council owned benches. Although he appreciated that a new gate would soon be in place Cllr Johnson raised the issue of dog fouling in the orchard. It was suggested that a photograph of the offending dog be taken and passed to the district dog warden with the name of the owner.

13        Matters raised by Councillors –  Cllr Bridge advised that she had received a complaint concerning a new dirt track that had been constructed on land adjacent to Yonder Meadow and the noise from the bikes and cars being driven. Cllr Robinson advised that both the area planning officer and the enforcement officer were aware of this and advised that the landowner had been contacted. Cllr Tarr advised that he was most concerned to have heard from a report received from the play school group that they were keen to improve their playground facility in the orchard and that they were considering introducing a small shed into the area. Cllr Tarr advised the meeting that the orchard was owned by the Parish and the playground and equipment were the responsibility of the Parish Council. Buildings and equipment cannot be introduced into the orchard without the permission of the Parish Council. As chairman of the finance committee Cllr Tarr advised that draft annual parish accounts had been prepared and would be passed to the internal auditor prior to submission to the Audit Commission.

 

It was proposed by Cllr Ellis and seconded by Cllr Lowe to make these payments:

 

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.45pm